To appreciate who Dawson is you need to know he's from Orangevale, Calif., just a few miles from Folsom Prison where Johnny Cash recorded his famous live album. Also, he's unlikely to ever be seen in anything other than the color black. His Dark Horse album blends his influences to create a dynamic collection of sonically and lyrically satisfying songs about love and life. "Asking for a Friend" is our favorite. Watch above.

Name: Devin Dawson

Occupation: Artist / songwriter

My first memory: Breaking a Tim McGraw cassette from playing "Indian Outlaw" over and over and being afraid my mom was going to be livid.